Having emerged successfully from the Teacher Making a Difference Competition 2025/2026, organised through a partnership involving the Republic of Ireland, Vision Group, and the Ministry of Education and Sports, I was honoured to be recognised among the country’s outstanding teachers. I emerged Number One in the Western Region, Number Two nationally in the Secondary School Category, and Number Four nationally across the Primary and Secondary categories, an achievement celebrated at State House, Entebbe.
Following this remarkable achievement, I, together with my fellow winners, embarked on a one-week educational study visit to Ireland to explore comparative education and gain practical insights into educational practices beyond Uganda. The purpose of the visit was not merely to observe another education system, but to return home with observable pedagogical practices, enriching experiences, innovative ideas, and transferable approaches that could contribute to transforming Uganda’s education sector and taking it to greater heights. We were officially flagged off on 25 September 2026, as a delegation comprising all twelve winners and six officials drawn from the Embassy of Ireland, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and Vision Group. The flag-off ceremony was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, alongside the Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda, H.E. Mrs Gaynor Mag, Mr Don Wanyama, Dr Annette Mugisha, and other distinguished guests.
The journey to Ireland therefore marked more than a personal achievement. It represented an opportunity to learn,unlearn,relearn and unlearn,listen, compare, share, and return with ideas and innovations capable of making a difference—not only in our individual schools, but also in the wider educational landscape of Uganda.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS: FROM ENTEBBE TO ISTANBUL
We arrived at Entebbe International Airport at around 10:00 p.m., where we successfully completed the necessary documentation, verification and travel formalities. In a delightful twist of coincidence, I happened to meet one of my students, Ashaba Rita, who was at the final stage of the verification of my travel documents. The unexpected encounter between teacher and student, in the midst of an international journey, was both heartwarming and deeply satisfying. It was a beautiful reminder that the bonds formed within the school environment often transcend the classroom and continue to accompany us wherever life takes us. We shared a memorable moment, captured in photographs,
before proceeding to board our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, Türkiye, the first leg of our journey to Ireland.
TURKISH AIRLINES
As we boarded the Turkish Airlines flight for the long journey to Dublin, a mixture of excitement, gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility filled the air. We were not simply boarding a plane for an overseas trip; we were embarking on a journey whose true destination lay beyond airports, photographs, air tickets and awards. The greater duty was to learn, observe, listen and acquire knowledge from Ireland, so that we could return home, document our experiences, share a meaningful report, and translate the lessons learnt into practical and applicable changes within our schools and the wider education sector. Every mile in the air—with even friendly and hospitable air hostesses and cabin crew members—therefore carried a purpose: to gather ideas that could inspire innovation, strengthen pedagogy and ultimately contribute to taking Uganda’s education system to higher horizons. As Nelson Mandela aptly observed, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” With that conviction, we settled into the flight,
conscious that the journey was not merely taking us to Ireland; it was taking us towards new possibilities for education back home.
ISTANBUL – DUBLIN
We arrived at Istanbul Airport in the early hours of the morning, completing the first leg of our journey from Entebbe. As a transit delegation, we proceeded through the required transit procedures, security screening and connecting-flight formalities. The process was remarkably efficient and well-coordinated, enabling us to move smoothly through the airport as we prepared for the next leg of our journey to Dublin, Ireland.
Our brief transit experience offered us an unexpected lesson even before we reached our destination. Türkiye presented itself as a country operating on an impressive scale of infrastructure, organisation and technological advancement. Istanbul Airport was vast, modern and exceptionally busy. The continuous movement of aircraft was particularly striking: within remarkably short intervals, one aircraft would be arriving while another was preparing for departure, reflecting the enormous volume of international air traffic passing through this global aviation hub.
As we navigated the terminals, checked our connecting-flight information and proceeded to the appropriate departure area, we could not help but marvel at the efficiency and sophistication surrounding us. Yet, even amid the grandeur of the airport, our thoughts remained focused on the purpose of our journey. Istanbul was only a transit point; our destination was Dublin, and beyond Dublin lay the greater mission—to observe, learn, compare and return home with knowledge that could be translated into meaningful educational practice. Our team leaders Dr Annet Mugisha, Mr Eremu Paul, Madam Angella, Madam Rosette, Mr William and the man behind the camera, Mr Rodgers, understood the assignment.
With our connecting-flight formalities successfully completed, we proceeded to board the Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Dublin, carrying with us excitement for what awaited us in Ireland and a renewed awareness that every stage of the journey had something to teach us.
ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN: A NEW CLIMATE, A NEW CHAPTER
We finally arrived in Dublin, Ireland, after travelling along the Entebbe–Istanbul–Dublin route, while some members of our delegation followed an alternative itinerary through Entebbe–Istanbul–Amsterdam–Cork. Our arrival brought an immediate and noticeable change in weather conditions. The cool, misty Irish atmosphere was quite different from the warmer Ugandan climate we had left behind, although the weather soon settled and became more manageable.
Dublin Airport presented an impressive and well-organised international gateway, with facilities and procedures comparable in efficiency to those we had experienced at Entebbe. However, the misty conditions on our arrival meant that we did not immediately get the opportunity to fully acclimatise to our new surroundings or take in the wider landscape of Dublin.
At the airport, we proceeded through the required arrival procedures, immigration clearance, document verification and baggage collection, before exiting into the arrivals area. There, our hosts were already waiting to receive us. The welcoming team was led by Holly, who took charge of our onward arrangements and transportation.
The moment marked the real beginning of our Irish experience. The airports and aircraft were now behind us; ahead lay the schools, educators, communities and educational practices we had travelled so far to encounter, study and understand. With warm welcomes from our hosts, we were ready to begin the next chapter of our comparative education journey.
General Experience in Ireland
Our Ireland visit was a thrilling and spectacular experience, featuring Mary Immaculate College, Dublin, St Mary’s Cathedral, Cliffs of Moher, Killaloe boat ride, City Connects schools, Irish Embassy, shopping, Locke Bar, George Hotel, Clayton Hotel and Restaurant, scenic bus journeys, flights and shared meals. Every encounter enriched our learning, friendship, cultural appreciation and unforgettable memories.
All in all, the people of Ireland are very friendly, sociable, hospitable and purposeful in the way they live. Lady Holly, who led the group that took us around, will forever remain in our hearts for her warmth, guidance and exceptional hospitality. The lecturers who gave us lectures on our topics of interest and took us around institutions, shopping malls such as Penneys, clubs, hotels, bars, lakes, rivers, mountains, caves, cliffs, stadiums and many other places deserve our heartfelt appreciation. May God bless you all. We had the most thrilling and spectacular experience, satisfying our areas of interest and leaving us with memories that will remain etched in our hearts.
Educational Institutions
We visited many educational institutions, including Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, City Connects schools such as O’Connell School in Dublin, primary schools and several other learning centres.
We were mesmerised by the order and organisation in these institutions, the curriculum, government policies, talking walls, well-maintained compounds, co-curricular activities and the general learning environment. Every aspect told a story of grit and glory, revealing how education can be deliberately structured to nurture knowledge, character, creativity and confidence.
EXCURSION TO THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
After the lecture “Listening to a Child’s Voices—Loud and Silent,” we embarked on a scenic bus ride to the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs offer breathtaking views of towering rock faces, crashing waves, and the vast ocean stretching to the horizon. The area is rich in seabirds, rugged landscapes, walking trails, and spectacular viewpoints, making it a memorable encounter with Ireland’s natural beauty.
From the Cliffs of Moher, you cannot normally see another country with the naked eye. The Atlantic horizon blocks views of distant countries.
But the countries that lie beyond the horizon in the surrounding directions are:
🇮🇪 Ireland — the cliffs are in County Clare, on Ireland’s western coast.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Great Britain lies east/northeast, across Ireland and the Irish Sea.
🇫🇷 France — lies farther southeast across the Atlantic/English Channel.
🇪🇸 Spain — lies farther south/southeast.
🇵🇹 Portugal — lies farther south/southwest.
The vast Atlantic horizon stretches towards distant European lands.
Power of Connection
Humanity becomes richer when people make friends, build bridges and connect beyond the boundaries of nationality, culture, profession and circumstance. Social capital has a remarkable power: nowadays, relationships can move mountains, open doors, create opportunities and turn strangers into collaborators. Our experience in Ireland brought this truth vividly to life.
Inclusion seems to start early there and is woven into the fabric of everyday life. People stop to say hello, smile, welcome you, ask how you are and make you feel that you belong. It is a simple culture of friendliness, yet it carries profound social power. For the team of 18 who travelled to Ireland, the journey was not merely about learning, visiting places or sharing experiences; it was also about mixing and mingling freely, without entangling ourselves in barriers, and creating meaningful human connections.
Personally, I gained friends whose warmth has stretched far beyond the days we spent together. Some of them appear in the pictures below, but the pictures tell only part of the story. Today, we email, chat and connect online as naturally as though we had known one another for many years.
These friendships are new bridges between Uganda and Ireland, carrying ideas, goodwill, understanding and possibilities. Indeed, great things happen when God mixes with man, because divine providence often uses human connections to accomplish what individuals alone may never achieve together.
Killaloe Boat Cruise: Almost Two Hours on Ireland’s Magical Waters
One of the most exciting experiences of our Ireland visit was the Killaloe boat cruise, an unforgettable journey across the tranquil waters of the River Shannon and into the magnificent Lough Derg. The Ugandan team of winners and officials stepped aboard with great anticipation, ready to experience Ireland from a completely different perspective. The vessel was spacious, comfortable and well suited for sightseeing, allowing us to relax as the boat gently moved away from the shore. For almost two hours, we cruised peacefully across the water, enjoying the fresh Irish air, beautiful scenery and the shared excitement of discovering another side of Ireland.
The cruise was more than a boat ride; it was a floating classroom of history, culture and storytelling. As we sailed, we listened to fascinating stories about Killaloe, the River Shannon, ancient Irish heritage and Brian Boru, Ireland’s famous High King, who was closely associated with the area. We passed through a landscape of remarkable beauty, with the calm waters of Lough Derg, rolling green hills, mountains, historic surroundings and the peaceful Irish countryside providing a spectacular backdrop. The journey gave us an opportunity to listen, learn, laugh, take photographs and share stories as colleagues and friends.
For the Ugandan winners and officials, the Killaloe cruise became much more than sightseeing. It was a memorable meeting point of nature, history, friendship and wonder. Some stood on deck admiring the panoramic views, while others relaxed comfortably, exchanged jokes and captured precious moments. As nearly two hours on the water came to an end, we returned to shore carrying more than photographs: we carried stories, laughter, new friendships and unforgettable memories of Ireland. It was truly a journey across water and through time—a beautiful chapter in our Irish adventure.
Other Exciting Places
Our Irish adventure took us beyond classrooms and conference rooms into a rich array and spectrum of places, people and experiences.
We visited beautiful churches, the Mayor of Limerick’s office, and enjoyed comfortable stays at the George Hotel in Limerick and the Clayton Hotel in Dublin. In Limerick,
We encountered historic landmarks such as King John’s Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Hunt Museum and the Milk Market, each offering a glimpse into the city’s history, culture and daily life.
In Dublin, the excitement continued as we explored the vibrant city and its remarkable landmarks. We saw or experienced places such as Trinity College and the historic Book of Kells, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, St Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, O’Connell Street and the lively Temple Bar area. We also enjoyed shopping at Penneys and other shopping centres, while our visits to restaurants, bars and other social spaces gave us opportunities to mingle, relax and appreciate Irish hospitality. Dublin’s mixture of history, architecture, education, commerce and culture made every outing an adventure.
In the end, we completed our Irish journey on a very good note. From churches and civic offices to hotels, historic landmarks, shopping malls, restaurants, scenic landscapes and places of social connection, every destination added another brushstroke to the beautiful picture of our experience. We came as teachers and officials from Uganda, but we left with broader horizons, richer friendships, deeper appreciation of Ireland and countless stories to carry home. It was a journey of learning, discovery, connection and unforgettable memories—an Irish chapter that ended beautifully, but whose lessons and friendships will continue far beyond the journey.
The Peak of Our Trip
The final destination of our Irish adventure was the Ugandan Embassy in Ireland, where Cynthia, Michael and the entire team welcomed us with warmth and genuine friendship. It was a beautiful closing chapter to our stay in Ireland. We shared happy moments, interacted freely, and performed traditional Ugandan dances, proudly displaying our culture and reminding ourselves that, although we had travelled far from home, we had carried Uganda with us. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, celebration and gratitude as we marked the end of a remarkable journey.
From the Embassy, we headed to the Clayton Hotel for our final night before beginning the journey home. The following day, we boarded Turkish Airlines, travelling through Istanbul before finally arriving at Entebbe, bringing our memorable Irish adventure to a close. Yet, the journey did not end at the airport; it continued into a new chapter of sharing what we had learnt and experienced.
Back in Uganda, we met officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Embassy of Ireland and Vision Group at the Ministry on 5 October 2026, Teachers’ Day. The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey, share our experiences and present our report. The presentation and report delivered by Tr Begura were received with appreciation, serving as a didactic account of the lessons, encounters, friendships and possibilities that the Ireland experience had opened before us.
After the speeches, presentations and words of appreciation, everything moved in a straight line towards closure.
Acknowledgement and Appreciation
A delegation of 18 members, led by Dr Mugisha Annet Kajura of the Ministry of Education and Sports, travelled to Ireland and returned safely, enriched with invaluable educational experiences.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the officials who made this journey possible: Dr Mugisha Annet Kajura and Madam Nanyanzi Rosette Susan of the Ministry of Education and Sports; Mr John Paul Eremu and Mr Rodgers Akanyijuka of Vision Group; and Madam Angela Atieno and Mr William of the Embassy of Ireland. Thank you for your leadership, guidance, meticulous preparation, coordination and commitment throughout the entire journey.
Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to everyone who contributed to our success, both openly and behind the scenes. Ambassador Mags Gaynor, we celebrate and deeply appreciate the great work of your hands. Don Wanyama, may God bless you. We also acknowledge Madam Naome, Madam Basundhara Furlong, Madam Joy, Madam Esther and the entire Embassy and Vision Group teams for your invaluable support.
To the entire Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministers and the Permanent Secretary, we are profoundly grateful for investing in our professional growth and creating this opportunity for us to learn, discover and broaden our horizons. Your collective efforts made this study visit successful, memorable and transformative.
May God bless you all abundantly for believing in teachers and investing in the future of education in Uganda.
Next Step of Star Teachers
As Star Teachers, we eagerly look forward to returning to our schools to translate our Irish experiences into meaningful educational transformation.
We shall apply relevant teaching methodologies, learner-centred approaches, practical learning, ICT integration and inclusive practices to enrich classroom experiences.
By sharing our knowledge with fellow teachers, learners, school leaders and neighbouring schools, we hope to inspire collective progress towards innovative, effective and transformative education in Uganda. May God bless you all abundantly.
Back at Immaculate Heart
Back at Immaculate Heart, I was welcomed by members of my English, Literature and General Paper departments at Sena Grand Hotel. We shared jokes, narrated our experiences in Ireland and discussed the key takeaways from the trip.
It was a very thrilling and truly fabulous trip. The school officially welcomed me, and everything was spectacular. On the 7th, I spoke to teachers at Ntare about the takeaways from our trip. Soon, I will be on Television West and Tayari for the same mission and message. To God be the glory!